Ruto Embraces “Zakayo” Moniker While Submitting Tax Returns
Friday, May 26th, President William Ruto acknowledged the nickname Zakayo, coined by Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) in response to proposed tax increases.
While filing his tax returns at the Time Towers offices of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ruto referred to his moniker.
He responded to suggestions that the government establish a tax collectors’ day similar to taxpayers’ day.
“We typically celebrate Tax Day in October. I propose that we also celebrate tax collectors’ Day. Presumably at the White House?” One of the delegates proposed this.
Ruto responded, “Since I am already known as Zakayo in some areas, perhaps we can have a tax collectors’ day.”
Zakayo is the Swahili name for Zacchaeus, the shrewd biblical tax collector who pledged to return four times the amount he had overcharged taxpayers.
Kenyans on social media coined the moniker Zakayo in response to tax proposals proposed by the Ruto administration.
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Users compared President Obama to Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.
Notably, the name went viral following the introduction of the Finance Bill 2023 to Kenyans for public participation, amidst outrage from taxpayers.
“If they target Baba (Raila Odinga), they ought to be prepared to kill us all.” Martha Karua, co-principal of Azimio La Umoja and leader of the Narc Kenya party, stated at a protest rally in Nairobi in March 2023, “We will not relent until Zakayo descends and the price of unga is reduced.”
“Even Zacchaeus did not tax exorbitantly. Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio La Umoja party, added, “Leave Mama Ngina Kenyatta and his son President (Ret.) Uhuru Kenyatta alone.”
Ruto was at Time Towers to submit his tax returns before the June 2023 deadline. During the event, he emphasized the significance of broadening the tax base to alleviate pressure on Kenyans.
He also emphasized that taxes were essential for the government to achieve its development goals.
He maintained, however, that he would ensure that public officials spent collected funds with transparency and accountability.
Ruto Embraces “Zakayo” Moniker While Submitting Tax Returns
